About the Institute
Our Story
The region we serve is a landscape of immense scientific and cultural value, yet it exists under complex land management and limited support. Federal agencies are the primary land stewards, but over time, funding has declined, leaving many initiatives under-resourced and unsustainable.
This is a water-poor region, unable to sustain a large population, yet it draws millions of visitors from around the world. Over the past generation, important ecological and paleontological discoveries have been made here, offering profound insights into both the natural world and human understanding. Despite the global significance of these discoveries, consistent support has been lacking, often falling through the cracks.
The challenges of this region reflect broader patterns seen around the world: places rich in knowledge and experience, yet vulnerable due to shifting priorities and limited resources. The Institute exists to fill that gap, to inform the public, foster meaningful engagement with the land, and ensure that these discoveries continue to inspire and educate.
Our Philosophy
The Grand Staircase is more than a place,it is a symbol of the limits of human knowledge. Our work is guided by values of humility, curiosity, self-reflection, and integrity.
We believe that learning to care for the planet and improving human life are not opposing goals, they are deeply connected. Knowledge is most powerful when it benefits communities, not just corporations, and we aim to cultivate public trust in science by showing how it touches real lives.
Our Approach
Unlike traditional field institutes or conventional science communication, the Institute is not a place of teachers and learners. We approach the land and its stories collaboratively, finding meaning together.
Art is central to our approach. By practicing and experiencing art, visitors develop a personal connection with the land, gaining a sense of its rhythms, textures, and mysteries. We focus on the limits of human knowledge, highlighting not only discoveries but also the processes and perspectives that led to them. This allows you to see the land through the eyes of scientists and others experienced in reading it, helping you frame your own understanding and insights.
Impact and Vision
We believe that learning to perceive the world fosters deep connection, something increasingly rare in a time when human-earth relationships are strained. By engaging with the land, its mysteries, and the perspectives of those who study it, visitors cultivate the tools to understand and contribute to conversations about how our planet is treated.
Our vision is a world where knowledge, curiosity, and empathy guide action, where humans not only understand the Earth, but actively participate in its care. We are not here to decide Earth’s fate, only provide you with the tools needed to confidently have a seat at the table.